"How is the research on the latest generation of Valkyrie battlesuits progressing, Nagamitsu?"
The golden-haired man stepped into Schicksal's Saint 1504 Research Institute and spoke.
"I say, Archbishop Otto," a woman with rose-red hair looked up, her eyes filled with exasperation, "a few days ago you suddenly demanded we accelerate development—and even proposed integrating the Key of Domination into the armor. You really do know how to drive people, don't you?!"
Her pristine lab coat fit neatly, faintly outlining her graceful figure. Her pupils matched her hair in color—perhaps slightly deeper. A gold-rimmed monocle rested on her nose, lending her an air of intellectual mystery.
"If you'd prefer, we can slow down," Otto shrugged. "Provided we ignore the high probability of a Third Great Eruption occurring within the next few months."
"In all my years following you, this is the first time I've heard you rush development because of the Honkai," Nagamitsu said, giving him a surprised look.
Even though you still don't seem inclined to stop it, she added silently.
"I've never regarded the Honkai as my enemy," Otto replied calmly, walking to her side. "It is a tool for realizing my ideals. That remains true now."
"However, this particular eruption can push my plans further. And when sufficient benefits are at stake, a self-serving man like me doesn't mind donning sheep's clothing and feigning compassion."
"You have a remarkably clear understanding of yourself," she muttered.
Then she activated the terminal before her. A holographic projection appeared on the white screen.
"In a sense, the Fourth-Generation Valkyrie battlesuit can indeed be released a year ahead of schedule. Our post–Second Eruption research on Herrscher cores has matured the necessary technology."
"Based on my simulations using preserved data from 'Babylon,' if Miss Theresa Apocalypse had been equipped with our current conceptual armor at the time, she could have defeated the Herrscher of the Void."
"Theresa nearly killed Sirin back then with Judah alone," Otto remarked. "Your way of comparing combat strength is… somewhat peculiar."
"…Right."
Nagamitsu adjusted her thoughts and continued:
"Then let me rephrase. With this armor equipped alongside a Divine Key—excluding extreme-output cases like Abyss Flower that require large amounts of Godsbane Blood—the wearer can activate the Zeroth Power of other Divine Keys at least twice consecutively without cooldown. And without harming their potential or lifespan."
"Now that's more like it."
Otto nodded.
On paper, Zeroth Power was merely equivalent to a Herrscher's single strike.
But considering the Second Eruption—Theresa nearly defeating Sirin with Judah, Siegfried overwhelming her with Shamash, Cecilia annihilating her berserk multi-core state with Abyss Flower (comparable to the Previous Era's Herrscher of Death leveling cities in its final frenzy)—that "Herrscher-level strike" description was clearly outdated.
Vill-V had been modest. Surely no one believed the peak intellect of the Previous Era only produced weapons barely matching a Herrscher's blow. Not to mention their Overlimit forms.
Ultimately, it came down to individual potential.
"Wait, Archbishop," Nagamitsu suddenly interjected. "The situation may not be as ideal as you think."
"Oh?"
"Our technology is mature—but only theoretically viable. In practical application, there remain obstacles."
"Schicksal will fully support this research."
Otto licked his lips slightly.
Valkyrie battlesuits were the only Current Era technology—aside from Godsbane Blood—that rivaled the Previous Era's achievements. They had to be secured swiftly.
Among the feasible methods currently available to raise Schicksal's high-end combat power, Stigma Warriors and Herrscher soldiers were long-term projects. MANTIS research still required lives as fuel. Only optimized armor systems and mastery of Divine Keys offered a rapid means to fortify Schicksal's defenses.
"I'm delighted to hear Schicksal's full support this time," Nagamitsu interrupted his thoughts. "It almost makes me want to record you and play it across the entire R&D department—or even burn the recording for my ancestors, in the Shenzhou tradition."
"But our issue isn't funding."
"Then what is it?"
"Simple. In one sentence—'The height of a spring cannot exceed its source.' Your requirement for the Fourth-Generation armor is that it must 'defeat Herrschers.' However, no matter how much the armor enhances its wearer, it can only elevate them to the peak they are inherently capable of. Exceed that, and you risk damaging their potential and lifespan."
"At the same time, this introduces a minor limitation—the Fourth-Generation armor must be tailored to specific individuals. Though that's not unprecedented; since the Second Generation, Schicksal has crafted specialized suits for certain Valkyries."
Yes, I know. Theresa. Theresa. Theresa.
Otto replied inwardly, maintaining a relaxed smile.
"So to summarize: the current Fourth-Generation armor can only be wielded by S-rank Valkyries. It allows the user to activate Zeroth Power up to three times with negligible side effects, and significantly enhances overall combat capability—granting them the power to fight a Herrscher?"
"Not merely fight," Nagamitsu corrected. "Defeat. If the opponent is at the level of the Second Herrscher, I can guarantee that."
You're getting bold.
Otto didn't remind her that the Honkai scaled with civilization's advancement. The later the era, the more monstrous the Herrschers.
He was still pondering how to bypass the Herrscher of Binding without sacrificing himself.
"This is already an excellent result. For now, only Cecilia and Durandal can wield this generation of armor," Otto said. "But I don't mind lowering standards slightly for broader production—so long as the suits maximize each wearer's potential. Individual customization is acceptable."
"You really brought Cecilia-senpai back?" Nagamitsu adjusted her monocle.
"Not brought back," Otto corrected. "Returned. You know me—I would never grant that name lightly to a clone."
"Fair enough," she nodded. "With your temperament, if she were a clone, you wouldn't have given her the same name. Otherwise Theresa should be called Kallen."
"Marvelous, my old friend. Suggesting I treat 'Kallen' as my granddaughter," Otto replied dryly. "If I did that, it would only be to anger Kallen back to life."
"That sounds like a viable method," Nagamitsu laughed. "Why not try it?"
"I suspect that would be even more improbable than resurrecting someone with the Herrscher of Death."
A frail, aged voice suddenly echoed from the institute entrance, interrupting them.
Silence lingered briefly.
Otto narrowed his eyes and looked toward the elderly man at the doorway.
"I thought it was about time you came to see me, Dr. Magi."
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